I’m in ADC presidential race, won’t step down for anyone – Amaechi declares

Former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has officially declared his intention to contest for the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Amaechi made this known while speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Kano, stressing that his decision is firm and he has no plans to step down for any aspirant within the party.

The former governor, who previously contested for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2022, said his ambition under the ADC reflects his continued commitment to serving Nigeria and offering alternative leadership.

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“I will contest the ADC presidential primary, and by God’s grace, I hope to win so that I can face Tinubu in 2027,” he said.

“I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead.”

The former transportation minister said he is better prepared than any of the presidential hopefuls.

“If you look at all those aspiring, including Tinubu, who is better prepared than I am? My candidacy offers unity because I come from the south, and we are not in conflict with any region,” he said.

Amaechi dismissed claims that his influence in Rivers has been chipped away by Nyesom Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers and minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

“Recently, when I visited Rivers to inaugurate the ADC, the turnout was massive from the airport to the venue, and nobody paid for that mobilisation. That should tell you where the people stand,” he said.

The politician added that people are fed up with the Bola Tinubu administration, positing that the president will be voted out of office.

“Whether the government wants to conduct credible elections or not, one thing is certain: time is up,” he said.

“Nigerians are tired because no one is happy under Tinubu, not even in Rivers or across the south. People are suffering everywhere.”

Amaechi, a member of the ADC coalition, resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) last month, saying he never believed in Tinubu’s capacity to lead the country.

Early this month, Amaechi said he will defeat Tinubu in the 2027 election if he gets the ADC ticket.

His declaration to contest the ADC presidential ticket comes days after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar said he would run for president in 2027.

Abubakar is also a member of the ADC.